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To The Root
Welcome to ‘To the Root’, a podcast tailored for skin warriors eager to nerd out on all things root cause care and healing skin from the inside-out.
Join your host, Robyn Spangler, as she becomes your big sister in functional health & skin healing. With over a decade of experience as a functional dietitian, Robyn deeply believes the conventional medicine system is failing us. She is dedicated to empowering skin warriors with knowledge and strategies to get to the root cause of your skin concerns. In her efforts, Robyn has founded The Clear Skin Lab - a program designed to help individuals address the root causes of their skin struggles and make their skin their favorite outfit again.
Disclaimer: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical treatment.
To The Root
Acne Medications Decoded: Part 4 - Accutane
In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler takes a comprehensive look at one of the most powerful and controversial acne treatments available: Accutane (Isotretinoin). Often considered a last-resort medication for severe acne, Accutane’s effects go far beyond the skin.
Robyn breaks down how this synthetic form of vitamin A works at the genetic level to reduce oil production and suppress inflammation—and why those same mechanisms can lead to lasting impacts on nutrient metabolism, immune function, and gut health. She explores both the short- and long-term side effects, including dryness, liver stress, mood changes, and even changes in iron and copper regulation.
Whether you’re currently on Accutane, considering it, or navigating the after-effects, this episode provides valuable context to help you make informed decisions and support your health post-treatment. Robyn also outlines actionable steps for restoring skin barrier function, gut health, and nutrient balance after Accutane. Listen now!
Explore The Clear Skin Lab’s free course at theclearskinlab.com/freecourse for an evidence-based path forward.
Highlights:
- How Accutane works by binding to retinoic acid receptors and altering gene expression
- Why Accutane is effective—and what that reveals about sebum and inflammation-driven acne
- The lesser-known long-term effects on vitamin A metabolism, iron/copper regulation, and gut health
- The connection between Accutane and chronic dryness, joint pain, gut permeability, and even IBD
- What to prioritize in post-Accutane recovery: skin barrier support, gut repair, and immune modulation
- Why acne may return after treatment—and what it means if it does
- Nutritional and lifestyle strategies for rebuilding internal balance and long-term skin health
Connect with Robyn:
Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn
Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com